Print

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

These decadent Red Velvet Brownies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Moist and colorful, these brownies are baked to a perfect fudgy consistency and decorated with a luscious frosting that balances sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 3/4 cup (158 g) butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (22 g) cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup + 3 tbsp (148 g) all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (dairy free option available)
  • 1/4 cup (53 g) butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, only if dairy free)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
  2. Combine Butter and Sugars: Melt the butter using a microwave or small pan on the stove. Transfer the melted butter to a medium bowl. Add both light brown sugar and granulated sugar, then whisk vigorously until the mixture resembles a paste and pulls cleanly from the sides of the bowl when mixed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring into the sugar-butter mixture. Mix again until well combined. Adjust the red food coloring amount if you prefer a deeper red color.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking just until combined, about one minute. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared parchment-lined pan, using a spatula to scrape all batter out of the bowl. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check for doneness starting at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be slightly crinkly.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While brownies bake and cool, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If using dairy free cream cheese, mix in cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
  7. Assemble and Store: Allow the brownies to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Store frosted brownies in the refrigerator. Alternatively, store the frosting separately in the fridge and frost brownies just before serving to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Adjust red food coloring depending on the brand and your preferred intensity of color; more can be added for deeper red.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes and add cornstarch to the frosting to thicken.
  • Do not overbake the brownies to avoid a hard texture; aim for a fudgy consistency with slightly wet crumbs on a toothpick test.
  • Using parchment paper with overhang makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan once cooled.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, baking, dessert, homemade brownies, easy brownies

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/red-velvet-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/